The Evolution of Dim Sum in Hong Kong

If you’ve ever watched a chef’s fingers deftly preparing a morsel of dim sum, the combination of skill, speed, and muscle memory can be breathtaking – the overall impression is worthy of its literal translation, ‘touch the heart.’ Although the origins of dim sum can be traced to the far reaches of history, the most recent incarnation appeared in the C.19th, when it crossed the border to Hong Kong from Guangdong, where it had provided a quick and practical snack for traders.

Since then, Hong Kong has become the home of dim sum – the cuisine can be found everywhere in the city, from traditional eateries and vast banquet halls to Michelin-starred hotel restaurants and fashionable fine-diners. While the likes of historic Lin Heung Tea House continue to enthrall with their starchy, hearty morsels served from traditional dim sum carts, a new-wave of eateries is catering to healthier modern appetites. Read on for our list of restaurants known for their fresh interpretations of dim sum.

Spring Moon

The Peninsula’s Cantonese restaurant is renowned for its abundance of healthy options as it is for its Michelin star. Classic dishes like baked barbecued pork puff and steamed lobster and vegetable dumplings are joined by an array of vegan and vegetarian options; the succulent steamed dumplings with assorted mushrooms will tempt even the most ardent of carnivores.

Duddell’s

Stylish suits and shoppers gather at the perennially fashionable, art endowed Duddell's for its excellent daily dim sum lunch. The set menu covers classics like shrimp and chive dumplings and roast pork, all prepared with a lighter, healthier touch. Vegetarians are also well catered for with a series of meat-free dishes including truffle-friend Omnipork dumplings.

Mott32

When it’s time to splash out, book a table at this rough-luxe subterranean lair of showstopping, Chinoiserie-dappled design. Opt for a table on the cavernous main floor for maximum buzz, or retire to an intimate private or semi-private dining room to sample elevated renditions of Cantonese, Sichuanese and Beijing specialities. Reflecting the opulent surrounds, the dim sum draws on rich taste combinations such as soft quail’s egg with pork and black truffle siu mai.

Lin Heung Tea House, G/F / 160-164 Wellington St / Central / Hong Kong / +852 2544 4556 / 6am-11pm daily

Duddell’s / Level 3 / Shanghai Tang Mansion / 1 Duddell St / Central / + 852 2525 9191 / lunch and dinner daily / duddells.co/home/en/

Mott32 / Standard Chartered Bank Building / 4-4a Des Voeux Rd / Central / +852 2898 3788 / lunch and dinner daily / mott32.com/home

Spring Moon / 1/F / The Peninsula Hong Kong / Salisbury Rd / Tsim Sha Tsui / +852 2696 6760 / lunch and dinner daily / peninsula.com/en/hong-kong/hotel-fine-dining/spring-moon-cantonese